Gun violence and deaths in our society are increasing at an alarming rate. And now partisan politics in Olympia has prevented common sense solutions and even public discussion on this critical issue.

Two weeks ago a Senate committee blocked five bills from moving forward including one just to study the issue.

They wouldn’t even allow public hearings on the bills.

This committee is controlled by the minority party, who have gained control of the Senate due to two members switching allegiance — one of whom became Senate Majority Leader.

Our safety is being compromised by partisan politics.

Please contact your local 5th and 47th District State legislators, Senators Joe Fain and Mark Mullett, and Representatives Pat Sullivan, Jay Rodne, Mark Hargrove and Chad Magendanz, and let them know you are tried of partisan politics preventing common sense solutions to improve our safety.

Noel Gerken

City Councilman

Maple Valley